The Orlando Magic are reportedly planning to trade sophomore shooting guard Mario Hezonja before this season's trade deadline.

Hezonja, who will turn 22 in February after the trade deadline, has been struggling to find his place in current Magic head coach Frank Vogel's rotation. He was expected to become one of the team's premier bench players this season after they drafted him fifth overall last year, but the Croatian wingman has not been getting enough breaks to show his true potential.

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Hezonja has only played six times in Orlando's last 17 games. When he does get the green light to grace the court, he has not played enough minutes to showcase what he can do.

This season, he is averaging 3.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game in only 11.1 minutes a night. His shooting percentages are horrible with a 31.6 percent field goal shooting clip and 19.4 percent from downtown mainly because he has rarely shot or even touched the ball in competitive 5-on-5 basketball situations.

Bleacher Report indicated that Hezonja could be headed to "the trade market after being sent down to the D-League" and falling out of the Magic's rotation.

While letting go of a long-term project like Hezonja could be a little early for Orlando, Vogel thinks he is "a bit lost" in his system, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

"It's a tough thing where Mario's at right now," said Vogel. "When you fall out of the rotation, it's tough to sustain your rhythm and timing without practices. And the kid's working his tail off."

Vogel acknowledged Hezonja's work ethic and drive, though, saying that he sees him "working his tail off to stay ready" but that "it's not the same as playing 5-on-5 basketball". The coach added that Hezonja is "a little bit out-of-sync with his rhythm and timing" as a result.

Some analysts believe that trading Hezonja now could "haunt the team years down the line" as he has the potential to develop into one of the best at his position in the future.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA Trade Rumors 2016, Mario Hezonja, orlando magic, Orlando Magic rumors